Projects - Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (original) (raw)
This section provides summaries of current and past research projects. Use the links below to jump to your area of interest.
Biomass and Biofuels
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production – Scott Turn
Conduct research that supports developments and decisions related to supply chains for alternative, renewable, sustainable, jet fuel production in Hawai‘i.
Advanced Fuel Characterization and Development – Scott Turn
Systematically assess the impacts of trace quantities of heteroatomic organic species on fuel properties and to advance the development of high-energy density fuels for future transportation applications.
Novel Biocarbons – Scott Turn
Develop processes to produce biochars and biocarbons from biomass feedstocks and control and tune their properties by selection of biomass feedstocks and process conditions.
Investigation of Waste-Based Feedstocks for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production (2021-2023) – Scott Turn
Investigated the behavior of urban solid waste under possible gasification environments defined by temperature, pressure, and reactive environment.
Resources for Renewable Natural Gas Production in Hawai‘i (2020-2021) – Scott Turn
Assessed resources for RNG in Hawai‘i and compare their potential for RNG production to current levels of fossil derived gas consumption in the State.
Hawai‘i State Bioenergy Master Plan (2008-2009) – Scott Turn
Developed a plan to address land and water resources, distribution infrastructure, labor resources, bioenergy technology, permitting, financial incentives, business partnering, and economic and environmental impacts.
Fuel Assessments
Hydrogen
Solar Fuels
Solar Fuels Generation – Nicolas Gaillard
Improve the durability and efficiency of chalcopyrite and perovskite thin-film photo-absorbers for photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels to reduce the production cost of renewable hydrogen.
Grid System Analysis
Grid Technology: Development and Demonstration
Coconut Island DC Microgrid – Leon Roose
Demonstrate and assess the reliability, resilience, and energy efficiency of a DC microgrid serving two HIMB buildings. Compare the efficiency of powering lighting, cooling, and plug loads with AC versus DC electricity during normal operations.
Advanced Conservation Voltage Reduction Development and Demonstration – Leon Roose
Demonstrate advanced CVR – reduces energy consumption and peak demand by seamlessly lowering voltage levels within acceptable ranges on distribution circuits – as an effective way to conserve energy.
Hawai‘i Virtual Power Plant Demonstration – Leon Roose
Assess the economic value and operational effectiveness of customer-sited battery and solar resources, where these resources can simultaneously serve both the customer’s interests and needs of the grid when aggregated as part of a VPP.
Assessing Dynamic Response of Converter‐Dominated Power Systems – Saeed Sepasi
Develop local expertise in developing and validating modeling and control solutions for today’s power grid. Identify the type and detail of converter models required to accurately represent power system dynamical phenomena across multiple time scales for CDPS.
Bidirectional EV Charging Demonstration Project – Leon Roose
Develop, evaluate, and demonstrate the performance of novel algorithms to optimize the charge/discharge of shared fleet vehicles for energy cost minimization.
EV Charging Infrastructure Master Plan for USMC Camp Fuji, Japan – Leon Roose
Develop a comprehensive master plan for fleet electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure implementation. Establishes an accessible network of EV charging stations, with the aim of encouraging EV adoption and promoting sustainability.
Automated Distribution Circuit PV Hosting Capacity Estimation – Leon Roose
Develop improved algorithms that significantly advance accuracy while reducing computation time for estimating the maximum capacity of distributed photovoltaic systems that can be effectively interconnected to utility secondary distribution services.
Holistic Optimization of Microgrids – Saeed Sepasi
Develop an adaptable and precise model for sizing microgrid systems integrating various energy resources and storage technologies. Evaluate the model’s efficacy against established industry tools, to minimize grid energy purchases and maximize renewable resources penetration.
Advanced Power Systems Laboratory (2018-2023) – Leon Roose
Designed and equipped a lab to conduct research, development, test, and evaluation in support of power systems modernization and renewable energy integration by providing a state-of-the-art test environment to deliver next-generation smart grid technologies.
Development and Verification of AI-Based Microgrid Platform and Business Model (2018-2022) – Mark Glick
Demonstrated the capabilities of an advanced control system using artificial intelligence to optimize energy management of a microgrid to reduce costs and improve resilience.
Solar Power Forecasting (2018-2022)
Developed advanced forecasting systems, including new methods and technologies, to predict solar photovoltaic power generation from minutes to days ahead.
Advanced Real-Time Grid Energy Monitor System (ARGEMS) (2017-2022)
Developed a low-cost device and system that can provide enhanced situational awareness allowing tighter, localized coordination of distributed energy resources.
Ka Honua Momona: Maximizing Efficiency of Off-Grid Nano-Grid (2018-2021)
Converted an existing off-grid solar PV system, battery storage, and a backup fossil fueled generator, into a more efficient “smart” nano-grid.
Load and PV Data Synthesis (2017-2021) – Leon Roose
Synthesized solar photovoltaic and customer load data from field measurements to enable more realistic distribution feeder modeling and state analysis for circuits with high distributed PV penetration.
Fast Frequency Response Battery on a Low-Inertia Grid (2017-2020) – Marc Matsuura
Evaluated fast frequency response of a BESS on the island of Molokaʻi, which could impact industrial standards for metering and frequency measurement during electrical transients on low-inertia grids.
Grid-Scale Battery Testing (2011-2020) – Marc Matsuura
Evaluated three grid-tied Battery Energy Storage Systems addressing different issues arising increasing renewable energy penetration levels. Facilitated the discovery of benefits and unexpected adverse consequences arising from this technology on isolated grids.
Dynamic Load Bank for Islanded Grid Solutions (2018-2020) – Leon Roose
Demonstrated a reliable and inexpensive means to prevent the baseload diesel generators from operating below their minimum dispatch level during periods of high solar generation.
Sustainable Grid Platform with Enhanced System Layer and Fully Scalable Integration (2017-2020) – Leon Roose
Supported the long-term goal of designing highly scalable technologies for distribution systems to operate reliably and securely with extremely high penetration of distributed energy resources.
Electrochemical Power Systems
Fuel Cells
Batteries
Photovoltaic Materials
Hydrogen Storage and Gas Purification
Development of Novel Air Filtration Materials
Design, synthesis and characterization of novel, reversible high-performance acidic gas contaminant absorbent materials, which would enable fuel cell vehicles to be efficiently operated under harsh atmospheric air environments.
UH and UW Materials Research and Education Consortium (MRE-C)
Develop foundational knowledge about advanced nano-to-macroscale defect-bearing and doped materials and the properties controlling their unique behaviors and investigate their use for future energy technologies.
Wave Energy
Legislative and Community Support
Decision Support Services to the Hawaiʻi Public Utility Commission – Richard Rocheleau
Provide regular technical analysis and assistance to the PUC, including an ongoing review of utility plans and technical challenges faced by the electricity grid during the transition to higher renewable energy.
Support of Integrated Grid Planning – Richard Rocheleau
Provide support to the Integrated Grid Planning process, which determines the types of resources and grid services that should be invested in to meet the goals of state’s RPS.
Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum (HEPF) – Richard Rocheleau
Support and manage the HEPF in its mission to advance Hawai‘i’s energy transition through energy stakeholder engagement in fact-finding, analysis, information sharing, and advocacy that enables informed decisions.
NELHA Energy Plan – Richard Rocheleau
Support NELHA’s development of an updated energy program that will support the state’s energy goals, focusing on which resources will be needed to allow NELHA to be more effective in supporting the state’s energy goals.
Disposal and Recycling of Clean Energy Products in Hawai‘i – Michael Cooney
Quantify this waste stream and enumerate best practices for cost-effective recycling and recommend best practices for disposal, recycling, or secondary use of clean energy products produced in the State.
Hawaiʻi Hydrogen Integration Study – Richard Rocheleau
Identify potential uses for hydrogen and quantify the potential to produce hydrogen locally to meet those uses to determine the feasibility of large-scale hydrogen production and use across the state.
Greenhouse Gas Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis – Richard Rocheleau
Conduct a study to provide estimates for the life-cycle GHG emissions of various energy resources and production technologies in Hawaiʻi for assessment to support PUC decision making.
Hawaiʻi State Energy Office Support – Richard Rocheleau
Support the HSEO to conduct work in various areas in need of additional resources with the objective to address and progress critical state energy transition needs.
Molokaʻi Community Energy Resilience Action Plan – Richard Rocheleau
Support stakeholders in Molokaʻi in the development of the CERAP by providing technical expertise, data, modeling capabilities, and technical reviews throughout the process.
Energy Transition Initiative Partnership Program (ETIPP) – Richard Rocheleau
Participate as a Pacific Regional Partner to help community coordination, solve community energy transition questions and issues, provide technical assistance and guidance, and support energy transitions throughout the U.S.
Support to the Institute on Science for Global Policy (2022) – Richard Rocheleau
Supported ISGP in planning and holding an international Pacific Island hydrogen energy conference in Hawaiʻi to identify potential plans for future hydrogen development in the region.
AES Biomass Conversion (2021) – Richard Rocheleau
Characterized the potential of AES’ proposed conversion to a biomass plant, its cost, and impacts on contributions to RPS goals, future solar development, resource adequacy, and GHG emissions.
Hawai‘i State Bioenergy Master Plan (2008-2009) – Scott Turn
Developed a plan to address land and water resources, distribution infrastructure, labor resources, bioenergy technology, permitting, financial incentives, business partnering, and economic and environmental impacts.
Grid Reliability Analysis
Asia Pacific Regional Energy System Assessment – Richard Rocheleau
Develop comprehensive energy system assessments in the Asia-Pacific region regarding energy transition strategy, policy, regulation, technology options, demonstrations, implementation plans, and training based on the specific requirements or needs of the targeted jurisdictions and strategic alliances.
Saigon Energy Hub (SEHub) Support – Richard Rocheleau
Develop a public renewable demonstration and technology center to raise the community awareness of the needs, feasibility, and benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand (PEA) Collaboration – Leon Roose
Provide capacity building and technical support to PEA, including developing a capacity building program focused on focused on renewable energy grid integration, smart grid technologies, microgrid assessment and design, and development of advanced EV charging applications.
Support to the USAID Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Program – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory support to the USAID-funded ESP Program by assisting in the development of net energy metering rules, developing and drafting framework and regulations, and providing capacity building.
USAID Sustainable Energy for Indonesia’s Advancing Resilience (SINAR) Program – Leon Roose
Support USAID’s SINAR program by providing wide-ranging renewable energy capacity building support to facilitate Indonesia’s clean energy transition.
USAID Southeast Asia’s Smart Power Program (SPP) – Laos – Leon Roose
Support USAID’s SPP by supporting Électricité du Laos and the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines in enhancing power system resilience, implementing demand-side management/demand response strategies, and integrating variable renewable energy resources.
USAID Southeast Asia’s Smart Power Program (SPP) – Cambodia – Leon Roose
Support USAID’s SPP by engaging with the national power utility of Cambodia, Electricite de Cambodge to manage high levels of variable renewable energy penetration and conducting capacity building workshops.
Renewable Energy Systems Regulatory and Technical Support for Palau – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory/policy support to the Republic of Palau, Energy and Water Administration, and Public Utilities Corporation in implementing the country’s clean energy transition.
Renewable Energy Systems Regulatory and Technical Support for the Cook Islands – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory/policy support to Te Aponga Uira, the government-owned electric utility on Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands.
Renewable Energy Systems Regulatory and Technical Support for Yap, Micronesia – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory/policy support to the Yap State Public Service Corporation in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Energy Security and Resilience in Caribbean Islands – Leon Roose
Provide analytical and advisory services for various activities and deliverables under the U.S. Department of State’s Power Sector Program Technical Assistance to support the Partnership to Address Climate Change 2030.
USAID Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership (PEP) Activity – Leon Roose
Provide technical assistance to support PNG’s enhanced electric connectivity and its goal of connecting 70% of its population to electricity by 2030.
USAID Majuro Dock Resilient Power Strategy – Leon Roose
Design a reliable, resilient, cost-effective, and scalable power solution to support increases in the transshipment of skipjack tuna through a locally owned dock facility on Majuro Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Developing Renewable Energy Storage System for the Pacific Island Countries – Leon Roose
Provide technical assistance to the World Bank project by supporting 11 PICs in designing a regional BESS policy framework and guidelines to support private sector participation in BESS development.
Innovation System Mapping Project in the Renewable Energy Sector in Vietnam – Mark Glick
Provide financial support and guidance to NISTPASS to map the innovation system in the renewable energy sector in Vietnam.
EGAT Renewable Integration Study – Leon Roose
Conduct a renewable energy integration study, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, for Thailand and enhance the professional capacity of its engineers.